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Thermodynamics appeared 36 times across 3 years — 4.2% of Physics. This question is from Carnot Engine and Efficiency.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 11 19 6 36

A Carnot engine (E) is working between two temperatures 473K and 273K. In a new system two engines - engine E₁ works between 473K to 373K and engine E₂ works between 373K to 273K. If η₁₂ , η₁ and η₂ are the efficiencies of the engines E, E₁ and E₂ , respectively, then

Solution & Explanation

Related Formula
η = 1 - TLTH
Core Logic

Let's compute the efficiency parameters explicitly:

η₁₂ = 1 - (273)/(473) = (200)/(473) ≈ 0.423 η₁ = 1 - (373)/(473) = (100)/(473) ≈ 0.211 η₂ = 1 - (273)/(373) = (100)/(373) ≈ 0.268

Evaluating the linear sum of fractional bounds:

η₁ + η₂ = 0.211 + 0.268 = 0.479

Comparing the outputs clearly demonstrates:

η₁₂ < η₁ + η₂
Step 1: Final Conclusion

Thus, the inequality satisfies option (1).

Pattern Recognition

The joint efficiency of cascading perfect thermodynamic steps is bounded multiplicatively as (1-η₁₂) = (1-η₁)(1-η₂), which algebraically forces η₁₂ = η₁ + η₂ - η₁η₂ < η₁ + η₂.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Thermodynamics

Reference Study Guides

More Thermodynamics Previous-Year Questions — Page 3

Q47 jee_main_2026_28_january_evening Work Done in Cyclic Process
A thermodynamic system is taken through the cyclic process ABC as shown in the figure. The total work done by the system during the cycle ABC is ____ J.
Work Done in Cyclic Process diagram for Q47 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
A Pressure-Volume indicator diagram showing a clockwise triangular cycle ABC.
Numerical Answer. Answer: 300 to 300

Solution

Related Formula
Wcycle = Area enclosed by the P-V cycle
Core Logic

In a P-V diagram, the work done in a cyclic process is equal to the area of the enclosed loop. Since the cycle ABC is clockwise (A arrow B arrow C arrow A), the net work done by the system is positive.

Step 1: Calculate the Area

The shape ABC is a right-angled triangle. Base of the triangle = Δ V = VC - VA = 5 - 2 = 3 m³ Height of the triangle = Δ P = PB - PC = 300 - 100 = 200 Pa

Step 2: Compute Work Done
W = (1)/(2) × Base × Height W = (1)/(2) × 3 m³ × 200 Pa W = 3 × 100 = 300 J
Pattern Recognition

Always verify axis units (kPa, atm, Liters, cc) before blindly multiplying area. Here units are cleanly in standard SI (Pa and m³), so 1 Pa · 1 m³ = 1 Joule.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Thermodynamics

Q10 jee_main_2025_02_april_evening Adiabatic Process
Identify the characteristics of an adiabatic process in a monoatomic gas. (A) Internal energy is constant. (B) Work done in the process is equal to the change in internal energy. (C) The product of temperature and volume is a constant. (D) The product of pressure and volume is a constant. (E) The work done to change the temperature from T₁ to T₂ is proportional to (T₂ - T₁) Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
  • A. (A), (C), (D) only
  • B. (A), (C), (E) only
  • C. (B), (E) only
  • D. (B), (D) only

Solution

Related Formula
  • First Law of Thermodynamics:
  • dQ = dU + dW

    In an adiabatic process:

dQ = 0 dW = -dU
  • Change in Internal Energy:
dU = n Cv dT = n Cv (T₂ - T₁)
Core Logic

Let's analyze each statement:

  • (A) Internal energy is constant: Incorrect. Since temperature changes during an adiabatic expansion/compression, internal energy (U ∝ T) must change.
  • (B) Work done is equal to the change in internal energy: Correct in magnitude (|dW| = |dU|). By definition, dW = -dU, which correlates the magnitude of work to the change in internal energy.
  • (C) Product of temperature and volume is constant: Incorrect. The adiabatic equation of state is T Vγ-1 = constant.
  • (D) Product of pressure and volume is constant: Incorrect. The relation is P V^γ = constant.
  • (E) Work done is proportional to (T₂ - T₁): Correct. Since dW = -dU = -n Cv (T₂ - T₁), work done is directly proportional to the temperature change (T₂ - T₁).
Step 1: Determine the correct option

Since only statements (B) and (E) are correct, the correct option is (3).

Pattern Recognition

Sees: Characteristics of adiabatic thermodynamic process. Trap: Confusing adiabatic state relations (PV^γ = C, TVγ-1 = C) with isothermal state relations (PV = C, T = C). Shortcut: First law of thermodynamics under dQ=0 strictly enforces |dW| = |dU|, which validates statement B and E immediately.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Thermodynamics

Q12 jee_main_2025_02_april_morning Thermodynamic Processes
In an adiabatic process, which of the following statements is true?
  • A. The molar heat capacity is infinite
  • B. Work done by the gas equals the increase in internal energy
  • C. The molar heat capacity is zero
  • D. The internal energy of the gas decreases as the temperature increases

Solution

Related Formula

dQ = n C dT

dQ = 0 (for adiabatic process)
Core Logic

An adiabatic process involves no heat exchange between the system and its surroundings (dQ = 0).

The molar heat capacity C is defined as:

C = (1)/(n)(dQ)/(dT)

Since dQ = 0 while the temperature changes (dT ≠ 0):

C = 0

Thus, the molar heat capacity for any adiabatic process is always zero.

Step 1: Check other options
  • Option (1): Isothermal processes have infinite molar heat capacity (dT = 0).
  • Option (2): From the First Law (dQ = dU + dW dW = -dU), the work done equals the decrease in internal energy.
  • Option (4): The internal energy of an ideal gas (dU = n Cv dT) increases directly as temperature increases.
Step 2: Final Conclusion

The statement 'The molar heat capacity is zero' is true.

Pattern Recognition

Adiabatic = no heat flow (dQ=0). Since molar heat capacity tracks the ratio of heat input to temperature change, C must be 0. Conversely, isothermal has infinite capacity because heat is absorbed without any temperature change (dT=0).

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Thermodynamics

Q jee_main_2025_03_april_evening Thermodynamic Processes and First Law
An ideal gas exists in a state with pressure P₀, volume V₀. It is isothermally expanded to 4 times of its initial volume (V₀), then isobarically compressed to its original volume. Finally the system is heated isochorically to bring it to its initial state. The amount of heat exchanged in this process is :
  • A. P₀V₀(2ln 2-0.75)
  • B. P₀V₀(ln 2-0.75)
  • C. P₀V₀(ln 2-0.25)
  • D. P₀V₀(2ln 2-0.25)

Solution

Related Formula

For a cyclic thermodynamic process, the net change in internal energy is zero:

Δ Ucyclic = 0

By the First Law of Thermodynamics, the total heat exchanged QT equals the net work done Wₙₑₜ:

QT = Wₙₑₜ = W₁ + W₂ + W₃
Core Logic

The cycle consists of three steps:

  • Isothermal expansion from (P₀, V₀) to volume 4V₀.
  • Isobaric compression to the original volume V₀.
  • Isochoric heating back to the initial state.
  • Thermodynamic Processes and First Law
    Thermodynamic Processes and First Law

Step 1: Work in Isothermal Expansion (W₁)

Initial state: (P₀, V₀). Final state volume: 4V₀.

W₁ = P₀ V₀ ln((4V₀)/(V₀)) = P₀ V₀ ln(4) = 2 P₀ V₀ ln(2)

Also, the pressure at the end of this process is:

P₁ = (P₀ V₀)/(4V₀) = (P₀)/(4)
Step 2: Work in Isobaric Compression (W₂)

The process occurs at constant pressure P = P₁ = P₀/4. The volume goes from 4V₀ back to V₀:

W₂ = P Δ V = (P₀)/(4) (V₀ - 4V₀) = (P₀)/(4) (-3V₀) = -0.75 P₀ V₀
Step 3: Work in Isochoric Heating (W₃)

Since the volume is held constant at V₀, no boundary work is done:

W₃ = 0

Step 4: Total Heat Exchanged (QT)
QT = Wₙₑₜ = W₁ + W₂ + W₃ QT = 2 P₀ V₀ ln(2) - 0.75 P₀ V₀ = P₀ V₀ (2ln(2) - 0.75)
Pattern Recognition

In any cyclic system returning to its initial state, finding total heat is mathematically equivalent to calculating the enclosed area on a P-V diagram. Here, the isobaric step occurs at the lowest expanded pressure, resulting in a simple negative rectangular area correction subtracted from the logarithmic isothermal expansion curve.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Thermodynamics

Q jee_main_2025_07_april_morning Work Done in Thermodynamic Processes
An ideal gas has undergone through the cyclic process as shown in the figure. Work done by the gas in the entire cycle is × 10⁻¹ J. (Take π = 3.14 )
Elliptical thermodynamic cycle on PV plane for Q25 - JEE Main 2025 Morning
A cycle plot in which the volume lies in cm^3 (150 to 350) and pressure is in kPa (300 to 500), forming an ellipse.
Numerical Answer. Answer: 314 to 314

Solution

Related Formula

The work done W in a cyclic thermodynamic process is equal to the area enclosed by the loop on a Pressure-Volume (P-V) diagram:

W = Area of Closed Loop

For an ellipse with semi-major axis a and semi-minor axis b:

Area = π a b
Core Logic

Determine the semi-axes of the elliptical cycle on the P-V plane:

  • On the Pressure axis (x-axis):
a = Pmax - Pmin2 = (500 - 300)/(2) ~kPa = 100 ~kPa = 10⁵ ~Pa
  • On the Volume axis (y-axis):
b = Vmax - Vmin2 = (350 - 150)/(2) ~cm³ = 100 ~cm³ = 100 × 10⁻⁶ ~m³ = 10⁻⁴ ~m³
Step 1: Calculate Area

Substitute a and b in standard SI units into the area equation:

W = π a b = 3.14 × (10⁵ ~Pa) × (10⁻⁴ ~m³) W = 3.14 × 10 = 31.4 ~J

Express in terms of × 10⁻¹ ~J:

W = 314 × 10⁻¹ ~J

Thus, the multiplier is 314.

Pattern Recognition

Sees: Circular/elliptical thermodynamic cycle. Shortcut: Work done is always π Δ P Δ V / 4. Simply compute the semi-axes difference 100 ~kPa and 100 ~cm³ and multiply by π directly, keeping tracking of metric prefixes (10³ × 10⁻⁶ = 10⁻³).

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Thermodynamics

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